Page 46 of A Lot Like Adiós
“Mich.” Gabe leaned against the kitchen counter. When she turned to look at him, he said, “I’m sorry I yelled at you.”
She shrugged. “I can handle yelling. You’ve met my family.”
“Doesn’t matter. I try not to raise my voice or speak in anger, but I did that to you yesterday. And I’m sorry for it.”
Damn, how could anyone resist a man who delivered such a heartfelt apology?
“Apology accepted,” she said primly. “Do you want bacon?”
“Of course I want bacon. What kind of a question is that?”
“How should I know?” She gestured at him with the spatula. “You clearly have amy body is a templething going on, and I would imagine that life doesn’t include a lot of greasy breakfast meat.”
He sputtered out a laugh. “You’re right, but I make exceptions when I’m not at home. Otherwise I try to eat healthy most of the time.”
“So do I, but that doesn’t explain why you look like you lift weights every day.”
“Noteveryday. I take rest days, as one should.”
“Gabe. Don’t try to tell me you’re not in a gym every single day.”
“Iworkin a gym.”
“You know what I mean.”
“Working out clears my head, helps me focus. It gives me a sense of...”
“Control?” she suggested.
His brow creased, like he was thinking about it, but then he nodded. “It improves my mood, helps me feel stronger—all the typical benefits of exercise. But yeah, I can probably be a little... militant about my diet and lifestyle.”
Knowing the details of his upbringing, Michelle could understand why he’d been drawn to activities that allowed him full control over himself. For so long, he’d been subject to his parents’ demands, forced to do things their way. But she didn’t bring that up.
Instead, she asked, “I guess this means your pot-smoking days are over?”
“Oh god. I haven’t done that in years. You?”
“I don’t need to anymore.” She showed him the prescription container stationed next to the electric kettle.
“What are these?”
“Anxiety meds. I started them after I quit my job. They calm me down, help me feel... steadier.”
He nodded. “Steady. Yeah. That’s how working out makes me feel.”
“Get plates,” she told him. “Food’s done.”
They kept the conversation light while they ate, discussing the itinerary for the day. First, they were meeting with the realestate agent to look at a few locations. Then there was a meeting with the investor and a possible celebrity spokesperson.
“Who’s the celeb?” Michelle asked, spearing a piece of avocado with her fork.
“You’ll see when we get there,” Gabe said. “Don’t freak out.”
“Pfft. I can be cool. You know my cousin Jasmine is a movie star now, right?”
His lips curved in a slight smile. “I might have watchedCarmen in Charge.”
“What did you think?” She pointed her fork at him menacingly. “If you hated it, don’t tell me.”
